TABUK CITY, Kalinga – During the second quarter council meeting held recently at the Golden Berries Hotel, the Tabuk City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, made up of diverse members from the many key stakeholders, faced the issue of creating a City Task Force to lessen the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
This is in accordance with Executive Order (EO) No. 26, series of 2023, issued by Mayor Darwin Estrañero which directs the council to form a city task team to help lessen the consequences of the El Niño phenomenon.
The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Alert and Warning System of the DOST-PAG-ASA had been upgraded to an El Niño Watch based on current conditions and forecast models that predicted the El Nino season would likely begin in July-August-September (JAS) of 2023 and might last until 2024.
According to the EO, there is a higher chance of below-normal rainfall circumstances, which might have unfavorable effects like dry spells and droughts in various parts of the country.
It was determined to identify and specify clearly the relevant offices that are applicable in the city’s taskforce during the council meeting presided over by Mayor Darwin Estrañero’s representative Henry Gupaal.
As specified in the EO, the offices that are included in the task force are as follows: City Mayor’s Office, Office of the City Agriculture Services, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Sangguniang Panlungsod DRRM Committee Chair, City Planning Office, City Local Government Operations Office, City Environment and Natural Resources, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Health Office, DOST-Kalinga, MGB-Tabuk, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Engineering Office, DTI-Tabuk City, Department of Education, KAELCO, City Public Order and Safety Division, City Public Information Office, Tabuk Women’s Federation, Philippine Red Cross- Kalinga Chapter, CVR3 Kalinga Eagles, and Tabuk Waters.
He recommended that there will be another set of meetings to be done by the task force that will tackle their specific duties and responsibilities. The council will also have to consider other offices that are not included in the EO which are ought to be included.
As agreed, the task force will have to plan programs and activities in the city that will help mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Funds will also be allocated for the purpose if needed. By Ian Jefrey Addatu
